- Joined
- Dec 17, 2003
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I was wondering if anyone out there could give me some input into the life of an Army dentist. I am about a year away from graduation and I am on the 4 year HPSP army scholarship. Thanks!
Going to an OS residency will give you 4 years payback for HPSP, 4 years of residency, and 4 years of payback for residency so it puts you at 12 years of you life committed right off the bat, which is not something to take lightly.
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I went through the AEGD program at Ft. Lewis, and it was a great program, but when I did it, the year counted towards my payback. (Didn't matter because the Army ended up extending me for a year anyway) Now I think it is a neutral year, it doesn't count to your payback but you don't need to payback an additional year for going through it either (double check with the HPSP liaison before you apply) AEGD gives you the chance to work with a board certified specialist in each field which teaches you a lot more than you learned in dental school. Our program was a little weak in pedo and pros (they got a better mentor there after I left though). It is definitely worth doing if you want to do general dentistry because you get comfortable doing more things.
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When did do your program? I just finished there and I'm currently moving down to Ft Hood.
Thanks for all the help, guys. I got the Army scholarship and am going to accept. I just feel that the Army is the right fit for me, it's nothing I can really explain. The wife is behind it, so we're going to go for it. Good luck in Iraq, BQuad. How are the facilities over there? Is it difficult practicing in the field? I'm sure it's rough now, but will be worthwhile in hindsight.